Why a New Hospital in Huntsville Matters
Our beautiful part of the world is changing. So too are the healthcare needs of our residents, families, and visitors. Huntsville Hospital was built for a different time, with limitations that impact patient flow, privacy, and access to modern technology. Our healthcare teams are doing extraordinary work, but they need more space, better tools and greater capacity to continue delivering the outstanding care our community deserves.
Raise Muskoka is the catalyst for an entirely new, advanced, purpose-built healthcare system, to meet the future of care in our region. It will mean faster access to services, more modern surgical and diagnostic spaces, improved patient comfort and privacy and the ability to attract and retain top healthcare professionals.
And that matters deeply, because when someone you love needs care, nothing matters more.
“What we build will mean every second in an emergency can be better used.”
– Dr. Kirsten Jewell
Director & Chief, Emergency Medicine
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
“Imagine the care we can provide in a hospital designed and built for this century.”
– Dr. Heather Sawula
Emergency Physician
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
“In our new hospital, I’ll be able to turn on a video screen at bedside and talk directly to a specialist.”
– Dr. John Simpson
Emergency Physician
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
“Our new hospital will be a centre of excellence for rehab and reactivation. We’ll be helping people live their best lives after treatment.”
– Dr. Rich Trenholm
Physician
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
“You have to partner, you have to collaborate [in healthcare]. That is the way forward.”
– Dr. Sheena Branigan,
Director & Chief, Obstetrics
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
“The new hospital will allow more care in spaces designed for how medicine is taught and practiced now.”
– Alex Santos,
Medical Student
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Your Gift Builds Our Hospital.
In honour and celebration of long-time resident Bob Hutcheson, every donation made to the new hospital will be matched up to $17.5 million.
Here’s What the Future of Care at Huntsville Hospital Looks Like
With your support, a complete transformation of care will be underway. Here’s what’s coming to Our Hospital:
- Level 3 ICU
- Designated stroke unit
- More acute care beds
- General Surgery (Inpatient & Outpatient)
- Labour and delivery services
- Reactivation
- Rehabilitation
Project Timeline
Our shared path forward, step by step.
Meet the Campaign Cabinet
Our campaign cabinet is a group of dedicated community leaders helping guide Raise Muskoka, championing the campaign, building momentum, and inspiring support to bring our new hospital to life.
First Family & Honorary Co-Chairs
Bob Hutcheson
Honorary Co-Chair - First Family
Bob is a revered figure in Huntsville, Ontario, celebrated for his enduring contributions to the community, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his remarkable vitality well into his later years.
Born into a family deeply rooted in Muskoka's history, Bob's lineage includes pioneers who significantly influenced the region's development. His grandfather, R.J. Hutcheson, co-founded the Muskoka Wood Manufacturing Company in 1901, a venture that played a pivotal role in the local economy and landscape.
Bob continued the family legacy through his leadership of Hutcheson Sand & Gravel, a company renowned for supplying high-quality sand used in international events, including Olympic beach volleyball competitions.
An avid sportsman, Bob's passion for skiing and waterskiing remained undiminished with age. In 2019, at 92 years and 286 days old, he set a Guinness World Record as the oldest male water-skier, a testament to his enduring zest for life and physical fitness.
Bob's dedication to community service is equally noteworthy. He has been a vocal advocate for local healthcare initiatives, emphasizing the importance of accessible medical services in Muskoka. Bob, his wife Jane, and his Dad have been valuable fundraisers for our past 3 hospitals and Bob attended many of the public meetings in support of our new hospital project. This energy has exemplified the Hutcheson’s intergenerational values, and belief system that every community needs excellent health care to attract the best and brightest community members. His family's philanthropic efforts include donating land for the local cemetery and supporting the establishment of healthcare facilities, reflecting a longstanding commitment to the well-being of Huntsville residents.
As of 2026, Bob Hutcheson continues to embody the spirit of Huntsville through his active lifestyle, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to the region's prosperity and heritage.
Drew Hutcheson
Honorary Co-Chair - First Family
A Huntsville native, Drew is retired from a career of entrepreneurship, information technology management, teaching and consulting. He is an enthusiastic grandfather of 3, Nordic skier, canoe tripper and amateur actor, living with his wife Betty in Huntsville in the winter and Lake of Bays in the summer. . A survivor of multiple myeloma, he is alive today due to great care from Huntsville Hospital and Ontario’s health system.
He was educated in Huntsville schools, Ridley College, the Universities of Toronto and Guelph (B.A.), and Western University (M.B.A.).
Most recently cofounder and communications instructor of Health and Safety Management College, an Ontario Career College, he held startup leadership roles in local businesses Hutcheson Sand and Gravel, Ratherby Magazine, Algonquin Automotive, Canadian Hillside Lift, and Wilshire Works, and was Director of Information Technology of Ventra Automotive. He has coached over 150 Muskoka startup businesses.
Blake Hutcheson
Honorary Co-Chair - First Family
Blake Hutcheson is President and CEO of OMERS. He is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the OMERS enterprise.
He was appointed OMERS President and Chief Pension Officer in 2018. His mandate included leading OMERS Pension Services, Strategy, Communications & Public Affairs, Legal, Technology and Operations, in addition to Asset Liability Management.
Blake previously served as President and CEO of Oxford Properties Group since 2010, and in 2014 he also became Chief Investment Officer, Real Estate and Strategic Investments and added the OMERS Platform Investments portfolio, an integral part of the OMERS innovative agenda.
Prior to OMERS, Blake was the Head of Global Real Estate with Mount Kellett Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm with offices in key locations around the globe. Previously, he was Chairman and President of the Canadian, Latin American, and Mexican operations for CB Richard Ellis, the world’s largest real estate services company.
An appointee to the Order of Ontario and a former recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Blake is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. He also completed a Graduate Diploma in International and Comparative Politics at the London School of Economics (with Distinction) and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development at Columbia University (where he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2017).
Blake continues to play Masters Lacrosse every summer for his home town of Huntsville, Ontario. He is married and has two children.
Campaign Co-Chairs
Michael Harrower
Co-Chair
Michael Harrower is Co-Chair of the Raise Muskoka Campaign and a past Chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. A long-time Muskoka resident, Mike lives in the community with his wife, Fiona.
A multiple scholarship recipient, Mike was educated in Canada, Switzerland, and England. He is a graduate of the Ivey School of Business at Western University (H.B.A.) and the University of Reading in England (M.Sc. in Urban Land Appraisal).
As Founder and President of Harrower Properties Inc., and a director and officer of a group of related companies, Mike has spent more than 45 years in property development and management. His experience spans residential, retail, office, storage, and industrial properties.
In the late 1980s, Mike took a sabbatical from his own companies to join IMAX Corporation as Vice President of Corporate Development. Reporting directly to the Chairman and serving on the Management Committee, he led IMAX’s global initiative to develop entertainment theatres worldwide.
Over the years, Mike has been actively involved in numerous community and charitable organizations. A lifelong learner and student of philosophy and faith, he values staying active through skiing, waterskiing, basketball, and trekking.
Tom Anselmi
Co-Chair
Tom Anselmi is Co-Chair of the Raise Muskoka Campaign and a respected Canadian sports and entertainment executive with a successful track record of business leadership, community involvement, and philanthropy.
Tom is best known for his role at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment which he joined in 1996, to lead the development of the Air Canada Centre, now Scotiabank Arena, home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer and President, playing a pivotal role in shaping one of North America’s most influential sports and entertainment organizations.
Born and raised in Toronto, Tom studied at Ryerson University and earned an engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Now retired, examples of past professional recognition include such honours as Sports Media Canada President’s trophy, The Chief of Defense Staff’s award, and induction in the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame.
A passionate community builder, Tom spearheaded the launch of MLSE’s Team Up Foundation and has served on the boards of numerous charitable and national organizations, including Canada’s Walk of Fame, Kid Sport Canada, Covenant House, The Toronto Board of Trade, and the league’s Board of Governors.
Tom has a longstanding connection to Muskoka and to local healthcare. He is a former member of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Board and now serves as an Honorary Board Member. He also co-chaired the Huntsville Hospital Charity Golf Tournament at Bigwin Island, reflecting his belief in the power of sport to bring people together in support of important community causes.
Kris House
Co-Chair
Kris House is Co-Chair of the Raise Muskoka Campaign and a respected business leader in Muskoka’s luxury homebuilding and construction sector. As CEO of HLD Muskoka, he has helped create distinctive luxury homes and cottages that thoughtfully integrate with the natural beauty of Muskoka.
Kris is involved in several Muskoka-based construction and materials businesses, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the region.
Beyond his professional work, Kris is deeply committed to supporting the Muskoka community and local healthcare initiatives. His leadership and generosity continue to help strengthen healthcare close to home for residents and families across the region.
Through both his business and philanthropic efforts, Kris demonstrates a strong dedication to excellence, community, and the future of Muskoka.
Ambassadors
Sharon Mey, Campaign Advisor & Ambassador
Linda Ruickbie, Campaign Advisor & Ambassador
- Geoff Shaw
- Pascale Cloutier
- Jake Herman
- Judy Lynch
- Scott Lynch
- Shane Magee
- Michelle Magee
- Patrick Meneley
- Don Tapscott
- Penny Thomas
- Paul Thomas
- Joe Natale
Let's talk about doubling the impact of your donation!
Meaghan Byrnes meaghan.byrnes@mahc.ca
705-571-2830
Contact Meaghan Byrnes or fill in the form below and we’ll set up a time to talk about your donation.